David Bromberg: Unsung Treasure

David Bromberg: Unsung Treasure is an engaging, memorable, and compelling documentary film. Released in 2012, the film begins with the inspiring story of David Bromberg, a renowned American musician whose talent spans across genres, including folk, blues, and bluegrass. Though perhaps lesser-known than other music legends, Bromberg's influence and impact are irrefutable.

The director, Beth Toni Kruvant, does a tremendous job of presenting Bromberg in his totality. She doesn't merely focus on his musical accomplishments; she endeavors to paint a holistic perspective that delves into his multidimensional personality and varied interests. The film offers a well-rounded contemplation of his career, his passions, and his unique journey through life, all enriched by a generous dose of Bromberg's music.

At its core, David Bromberg: Unsung Treasure is a careful exploration of Bromberg's remarkable career. He began as a classical guitarist in the '60s, only to immerse himself in the Greenwich Village folk scene. Bromberg’s proficiency as a guitarist led to relationships with famous musicians of the time. He was not just an accompanist but was revered as a musical genius himself. The film offers the audience a unique insight into a period of peerless musical growth and change, through the lens of Bromberg’s intriguing story.

Throughout the documentary, viewers are treated to a series of interviews and dialogues with the man himself, presenting a firsthand account of his experiences and efforts. Additionally, interviews with fellow musicians, friends, and family members ensure an expansive view of Bromberg, not just as a musician but as a person.

Bromberg's musical hiatus is a poignant aspect of the documentary. After a successful, almost electric career, Bromberg unexpectedly abandoned music for nearly 2 decades. However, he didn't sit idle during that time. Instead, he dove headlong into his other passion – the art of violin-making. The film traces his journey to Wilmington, Delaware, where he opened a violin retail and repair shop, becoming deeply involved in the local music community, forging a new path and identity that set him apart from his contemporaries.

David Bromberg: Unsung Treasure does a fantastic job of blending this narrative of Bromberg, the master violin craftsman, with Bromberg, the musician. It captures the essence of how dramatically the two contrasting parts of his life harmonize, noting his eventual return to the stage, with a renewed energy and passion, channeling the same dedication he gave his violin craft into his music.

The film's cinematography is praiseworthy, skillfully interweaving Bromberg's musical performances with various interview footage and shots of Bromberg's life in Delaware. There's an intimacy present in the film that makes the viewer feel as though they're right there with Bromberg, experiencing everything alongside him.

What's truly commendable about David Bromberg: Unsung Treasure is its genuine portrayal of Bromberg. Here's a man who has lived his life purely on his terms, moving away from success when he needed to, pursuing a completely different passion, and then coming back to where he started, only stronger and more inspired.

The film is a tribute to resilience, a love letter to artistry and craft, and beyond everything, it is an homage to one of the most versatile musicians of modern times. It presents Bromberg's history and journey with respect and admiration, offering something for both Bromberg aficionados and viewers previously unfamiliar with his work.

In all its facets, David Bromberg: Unsung Treasure is, undeniably, a celebration of a man’s ability to evolve, adapt and continue to make a significant contribution to the music world. The film is as eccentric, fresh and unpredictable as Bromberg's own career, and an intriguing watch for anyone interested in music history, personal reinvention, or uniquely driven lives.

David Bromberg: Unsung Treasure doesn't merely recount a musician’s life; it exposes the melody intertwined within the life of an extraordinary artist, making it an immensely enjoyable and constructive film for lovers of music, life stories, and those who value the dedication and commitment musicians have to their craft and art.